For the first half of his senior season, Tyrone Neal has stayed focused on football and the classroom. This weekend, the linebacker out of McKeesport, Pa. will take a much deserved break by heading to Nebraska to watch the Cornhuskers primetime matchup against the Buckeyes of Ohio State. What are his thoughts going into the trip?

"I'm looking forward to going to Nebraska," Neal said. "It's my first official visit and I think the game is going to be wild and the atmosphere overwhelming. I heard it gets pretty wild there with all of the people. I'm looking forward to seeing it all up close. I'm excited."

Neal, rated one of the top 40 outside linebacker prospects nationally by Rivals.com, has garnered scholarship offers from top programs all over the country. However, he said he's concentrating his attention on five finalists.

"Nebraska, Syracuse, North Carolina State and Illinois are probably my top four," Neal said, "and add West Virginia in there too. I plan to visit those other schools in November. I don't really have a favorite among that group. They're all pretty evenly matched."

"I like those schools because they've shown me the most interest. I'm not planning to make any kind of early decision. I'll take all four or five of my trips and then compare them to see which one I like the best. I'll probably announce my decision sometime in December."

According to Neal, there are a few things that intrigue him about the Husker program, including his close relationship to the Nebraska coaching staff.

"I really like coach 'J.P' (John Papuchis) and coach (Ross) Els," Neal said. "I get along well with both. I remember the first time I met coach 'J.P'. He told me that I should go to the place that will enhance my skills as a player most. I'll have to decide whether or not that is Nebraska."

"Nebraska is a bit further away than some of the other schools but that doesn't matter to me. It's somewhere different. Since they play in the Big Ten conference now, my parents would be able to see me play because Nebraska comes back this way to play teams out here."

Through five games this year, Neal has helped lead his team to a 4-1 record, recording approximately 50 tackles and three sacks. He said coaches have told him he has the ability to play in the middle or on the outside when he gets to college.

"The coaches tell me that I'm very fast and physical and versatile," Neal said. "The coaches will play a big part in my decision and I think I have good relationships with the coaches of all of my top teams. I probably talk to coach (Don) Conley of Syracuse more than any of the others. He shows a lot of love."

"I'll also look at the campus and try to find the place I feel most at home. Once I figure all of that out, I'll make my decision."